BALLARAT district can boast its first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, with Nessa Jenkins, from Bayindeen near Buangor, taking out the inaugural women's trap pairs in clay target shooting Saturday night.
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Jenkins' win was followed by a silver by Ballarat's Russell Mark and Michael Diamond in the men's double trap pairs shooting.
Just five families call the tiny community of Bayindeen home, but news that Jenkins won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games spread like wildfire.
Jenkins called her parents from Bisley, some hours from Manchester, at 9.30pm Saturday (AEST) as the media went to air with the news.
The 22-year-old won a gold medal in the inaugural women's trap pairs in clay target shooting.
Her mentor and close family friend Kevin Wilde, who was shearing sheep when his only daughter called, was bowled over with the news.
Celebrations have begun, with proud locals wanting to hold the gold medal themselves.
Jenkins, who went to the Bayindeen Primary School, has travelled across the world to compete in shooting.
She still lives on the family farm, and is almost a qualified wool-classer.
She is a sporting hero in her home town and nearby Buangor and Ararat.
Her family has had calls from across the world since the gold medal win.
Jenkins told "The Courier" last night she was surprised at the win given that she was focussed on the individual competition rather than the pairs, which she won with Diane Reeves.
"This is one of the highest goals I have wanted to achieve, and I'm here, doing it."
Speaking on a mobile phone, Jenkins was watching Ballarat champion shooter Russell Mark practice while she spoke.
"I'm missing my family and my own bed... I'm having a lot of fun, but it's not what I expected it to be.
"We (the shooters) are away from all the real hype and excitement, but that is good because it keeps everyone focussed."
Mr Wilde who is "nearly" retired from shooting, said Jenkins shot well under pressure.
"She knew she spent a million getting over there. I've got an old Nissan Patrol that has done 550,000 kms, and most of that has been done going to shooting events across the country. I've lost count of the number of times we've been to Sydney for shooting.
"I've been shooting all my life, but I get that much of a thrill watching her do it now. I nearly had a heart attack at the last nationals watching her.
"When she was 15 she picked up my gun one day and took a shot and said: `gee this is easy', and it has gone from there."
Mr Wilde said the family had spent about $30,000 launching Jenkins' clay shooting career.
"She is a baby in terms of her career _ she has got years ahead of her yet."
Jenkins, coached by Billy Illes of Hurstbridge, was devastated when she missed out on Olympic Games selection by one target, but has fought back to secure the gold medal.
Ararat Rural City Mayor Gwenda Allgood said she had been glued to the television all day watching the repeated highlights of the win.
"We are all exceptionally proud of her."
Buangor publican Natalie Plitek said locals had suggested a party for Jenkins upon her return.
Other regional sportspeople to compete at the weekend were:
Women's 10m Air Rifle - Pairs Final: Susan McCready of Sunbury: Fifth.
Marathon runner Lee Troop last night finished seventh in the Commonwealth Games marathon.